Post Time went out in style today, running down archrival Barbadian Runner in the Laurel Park stretch to win the $100,000 Robert T. Manfuso Stakes, the final start of his distinguished career.
Billed as a rematch of Maryland-bred heavyweights, the Post Time-Barbadian Runner faceoff delivered all the drama and poignancy of a Disney movie.
For 10 weeks, Post Time’s connections had smarted over his second-place finish to Barbadian Runner in the Maryland Million Classic. The defeat ended Post Time’s Laurel Park mastery after 11 straight victories and delayed his retirement.
Post Time, owner Ellen Charles concluded with trainer Brittany Russell, deserved a shot at redemption.
“The Maryland Million will forever haunt me,” said jockey Sheldon Russell, the trainer’s husband.
The dream matchup thus unfolded: Post Time, the feisty gray 2024 Maryland-bred Horse of the Year, versus Barbadian Runner, the even-tempered, $5,000 yearling who’d overachieved to dazzling lengths, nearing $800,000 in earnings for AJ Will Win Stables and trainer Henry Walters.
Post Time wasn’t rushed into the Manfuso as for the Classic, and his stable teemed with confidence over the benefit of added rest. Then the gates opened, and Post Time shambled out of it well behind four rivals
“He’s quirky,” Sheldon said. “It’s weird — when he’s in between horses, he almost shies when the gates open. Then he’s slowly into stride.”
Through the backstretch and around the far turn, Sheldon kept Post Time close to the rail and tightly reined while West Virginia-based stakes winner Teachintherelease set a moderate pace over Hittheroadjack and Federico Tesio winner Pay Billy.
Forest Boyce, often complimentary of her mount’s versatility, had Barbadian Runner tucked inside, a few lengths ahead of Post Time. Toward the homestretch, both started advancing.
Leaving the far turn, courage and drama converged. Boyce, awaiting opportunity inside, sent Barbadian Runner between the rail and Teachintherelease, into the sunshine and onto the lead.
As Barbadian Runner seemed poised to pull away, Sheldon angled Post Time three-wide and threaded an opening between horses. The favorite advanced on the leader, moved past Barbadian Runner well into the stretch, and reached the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:44.54 for 1 1/16 miles. Pay Billy finished a distant third.
The outcome triggered swells of emotion. Boyce, who had ridden masterfully in a second-place finish, smiled on her way to the jockeys’ room and said, “That was a good race.”
Over in the Laurel Park winner’s circle, principals dried their eyes as congratulations and questions flourished.
Brittany Russell, Maryland’s dominant trainer the past three years, saw her old workplace in a new light today. “Just from the moment, watching him walk into the paddock, I was an emotional wreck,” she said.
Then she said she did something different: She took some time, watched him walk, and savored the moments.
After 5-year-old Post Time delivered his 13th victory in 23 starts and bumped his earnings to $1,558,705, Brittany used a jacket sleeve to wipe her eyes and said, “He’s taught me a few things. If I ever get another one like him, I’ll know to enjoy every single step…These horses are hard to come by.”
Sheldon said, “He’s taken me to places I never thought I would go,” dabbed at tears, and kissed owner Charles on the cheek.
Charles, more stoically, said she’d considered pinhooking Post Time before he’d raced until a serendipitous look at his pedigree convinced her otherwise.
Post Time’s granddam was named Merriweather. Charles’s grandmother was Marjorie Merriweather Post, the socialite daughter of cereal magnate C.W. Post.
Brittany sprinkled sugar on the upshot, saying, “It’s going to be fun to watch those Post Time babies coming into the barn.”
“Let’s just hope they act better than he [did] as a 2-year-old,” her husband countered.
A son of Frosted, Post Time will begin stud duty next year at Northview Stallion Station, standing for $4,000.
In the bittersweet aftermath outside the winner’s circle, Northview General Manager David Wade informed assistant trainer Emma Wolfe that a van would take Post Time to his new home in Chesapeake City, Md., on Friday.
By Vinnie Perrone – Maryland Jockey Club – Laurel Park Press Release
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